Introduced to honor the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, the Explorer has always been Rolex’s simplest sports watch, featuring a compact waterproof case and clean time-only dial. The dial of the Rolex Explorer is what defines the watch, characterized by a black background with numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Other key features include a round case, smooth bezel, and three-link Oyster bracelet. So with this design blueprint in mind, let’s take a look at five Rolex Explorer alternative watches. It’s important to point out that these are not necessarily more affordable substitutes; rather, we want to highlight Rolex Explorer alternatives that offer a similar vibe but are made by different brands or furnished with slightly different features.
![Rolex Explorer Ref 124270](https://www.luxurybazaar.com/grey-market/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Rolex-Explorer-Ref-124270-1-1024x683.jpg)
Rolex Explorer Key Design Characteristics
Before we get to the best Rolex Explorer alternative watches, it’s important to outline the watch’s main design details to give us a point of reference to compare to.
- Round water-resistant case
- Smooth unmarked bezel
- Black time-only dial with numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock
- Three-link metal bracelet
- Automatic movement
For most of its history, aside from some weird Explorer watches sold in Canada circa 1960, the Rolex Explorer was only offered in stainless steel and in a 36mm case size. It was historically a one-reference-at-a-time collection. However, in more recent years, Rolex has expanded the Explorer line with more sizes (36mm, 39mm, and 40mm) and even introduced a two-tone steel and yellow gold version.
Yet, what remains true to the Explorer design is its field-style black dial, characterized by oversized Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9. Other signature traits of the Rolex Explorer are its water-resistant case, automatic movement, and sturdy three-link Oyster bracelet.
Rolex Explorer Alternatives
Sticking to the parameters of only including luxury watches, we’ve picked the best Rolex Explorer alternatives made by Tudor, Omega, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Patek Philippe.
Tudor Ranger
Reference Number | 79950 |
Case Diameter | 39mm |
Case Materials | Stainless steel |
Dial | Black, time-only with Arabic numeral hour markers at 12, 3, 6 and 9 |
Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel, fabric, hybrid leather/rubber strap, or fabric strap |
Water Resistance | 100m |
Movement | Automatic, 70-hour power reserve |
2023 Retail Price | $3,200 on bracelet, $2,875 on strap |
![Tudor Ranger Reference 79950](https://www.luxurybazaar.com/grey-market/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Tudor-Ranger-Reference-79950-1024x683.jpg)
No surprise here, but Tudor makes a solid alternative to the Rolex Explorer. In fact, as Rolex’s sibling brand, Tudor offers some of the best Rolex alternative watches in general, whether dive watches, chronographs, GMTs, or dress watches. Plus, Tudor watches are much more affordable than Rolex watches. Introduced in 2022, the latest Tudor Ranger celebrates the 70th anniversary of the British North Greenland Expedition (BNGE). Fun fact: the 1952 BNGE crew was supplied with Tudor Prince watches, which is what ties this whole concept together.
The Tudor Ranger ref. 79950 sports a 39mm steel case (12mm thick) that houses a matte black domed dial. On that dial, there are four large Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 — which is of course one more than the Rolex Explorer’s 3/6/9 layout. The handset is an interesting component, featuring an arrow tip on the hour hand and a thin red hand for the seconds. As is typical for Tudor, the Ranger watch is offered with a choice of bracelets or straps; however, for that Explorer-like look, the three-link steel Oyster style bracelet is the way the go.
More About Tudor: Rolex and Tudor Watches Only Meant for North America
Omega Railmaster
Reference Number | 220.10.38.20.01.002 |
Case Diameter | 38mm |
Case Materials | Stainless steel |
Dial | Black, time-only with Arabic numeral hour markers at 12, 3, 6 and 9 |
Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel |
Water Resistance | 60m |
Movement | Automatic, 55-hour power reserve |
Last Published Retail Price | $7,500 (Discontinued) |
![Omega Railmaster Reference 220.10.38.20.01.002](https://www.luxurybazaar.com/grey-market/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Omega-Railmaster-Reference-220.10.38.20.01.002-1024x683.jpg)
Similar to how the Explorer is Rolex’s most understated sports watch, the Railmaster is one of Omega’s most subtle within the sportier Seamaster models. Omega launched the Railmaster in 1957 as its flagship antimagnetic watch and today, the watch sits under the vast Omega Seamaster collection.
In 2017, Omega launched a trilogy of limited commemorative models to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Speedmaster, Seamaster 300, and Railmaster — a close alternative to the Rolex Explorer. The 60th Anniversary Railmaster ref. 220.10.38.20.01.002 is aesthetically a faithful re-edition of the original version from 1957, featuring a 38mm steel case, a dial with four Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12, and a three-link steel bracelet. To mimic the look of a vintage watch, the watch includes beige-toned lume and its “tropical” black dial. However, the automatic movement that powers the Anniversary Omega Railmaster is modern, supplying the watch with 55 hours of power reserve and anti-magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss.
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IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX
Reference Number | IW328202 |
Case Diameter | 40mm |
Case Materials | Stainless steel |
Dial | Black, time and date with Arabic numeral hour markers |
Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel |
Water Resistance | 100m |
Movement | Automatic, 120-hour power reserve |
2023 Retail Price | $6,150 |
![IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XX Reference IW328202](https://www.luxurybazaar.com/grey-market/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IWC-Pilots-Watch-Mark-XX-Reference-IW328202-1024x683.jpg)
The Mark Series from IWC is based on the brand’s historic Mark 11 pilot watches developed for the British Royal Air Force in 1948. The IWC Mark XX watches are the latest iterations, which remain faithful to the utilitarian tool watch aesthetic of its inspiration. The best Rolex Explorer alternative among all the IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX variations would be the ref. IW328202, which includes a black dial inside its 40mm steel case and a steel bracelet. Of course, this being an aviation watch, the pilot-style dial includes Arabic numerals for all the hours except for 12 where there’s an inverted triangle instead, and 3 where the date window sits. This highly legible dial makes it a good candidate as a “GADA watch.“
The steel bracelet attached to the IWC Mark XX ref. IW328202 includes a five-link arrangement that looks more similar to Rolex’s Jubilee bracelet than the Oyster, adding a formal touch to the watch. Although the IWC Mark XX ref. IW328202 is somewhat dressier than the Rolex’s adventure watch and does include a date window, it’s still a great alternative to the Explorer and offers a similar tool watch vibe.
Don’t Miss: The Best IWC Watches
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic
Reference Number | Q9008170 |
Case Diameter | 41mm |
Case Materials | Stainless steel |
Dial | Black, time-only with Arabic numeral hour markers at 3,6,9 and 12 |
Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel |
Water Resistance | 100m |
2023 Retail Price | $10,500 |
![Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic Reference Q9008170](https://www.luxurybazaar.com/grey-market/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Polaris-Automatic-Reference-Q9008170-1024x683.jpg)
The Polaris is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s line of sports watches, many of which are adventure-ready timepieces. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris is an excellent alternative to the Rolex Explorer, albeit more upmarket given JLC’s pedigree as the “watchmaker’s watchmaker” and larger with its 41mm steel case.
The black dial of the watch is not only home to Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 but it also includes an internal rotating bezel that can be used to time events. As such, there are two crowns on the case — one to control the bezel and the other to adjust the time. The Polaris Q9008170 is furnished with a three-link steel bracelet, again similar to Rolex’s Oyster bracelet. However, unlike the Explorer, the Polaris includes an exhibition caseback for a view of the in-house automatic movement that supplies the watch with 40 hours of power reserve.
Also See: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso x Batman: Bruce Wayne’s Watch of Choice
Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 5226G
Reference Number | 5226G-001 |
Case Diameter | 40mm |
Case Materials | White gold |
Dial | Textured charcoal gray, time and date with Arabic numeral hour markers |
Bracelet/Strap | Calfskin strap |
Water Resistance | 30m |
Movement | Automatic, 35- to 45-hour power reserve |
2023 Retail Price | $40,220 |
![Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 5226G](https://www.luxurybazaar.com/grey-market/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Patek-Philippe-Calatrava-Reference-5226G-1024x683.jpg)
When you want a field-adjacent watch and nothing but the most prestigious will do, Patek Philippe has you covered with the Calatrava ref. 5226G. Loosely based on the vintage Patek ref. 565 that was produced in the 1940s during the height of World War II, the reference 5226G is Patek Philippe’s approach to a tool-ish design but of course, furnished with all the ultra-luxurious details we’ve come to expect from the brand. There’s the 40mm case fashioned from 18k white gold, a striking textured dial with beige-lumed Arabic numerals and syringe hands, and a subtle date window at 3 o’clock. The movement is intricately decorated and visible from the sapphire caseback while the watch comes with two calfskin straps — one in beige and one in black.
To be clear, this certainly isn’t as utilitarian as the Rolex Explorer given its precious metal case, leather strap, and much lower water resistance rating; but again, if you’re looking for the most upscale version of a field-style watch, this Patek Philippe Calatrava is a beautiful choice.
Bonus: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Two-Tone
Reference Number | 14203 |
Case Diameter | 34mm |
Case Materials | Stainless steel with yellow gold bezel |
Dial | Silver, time-only with yellow gold Arabic hour markers at 3, 6 and 9 |
Bracelet/Strap | Oyster bracelet, stainless steel and yellow gold |
Water Resistance | 100m |
Movement | Automatic, 42-hour power reserve |
2023 Market Price | ~$5,500 (Discontinued in 2004) |
![Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 14203](https://www.luxurybazaar.com/grey-market/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-ref.-14203-1024x683.jpg)
So far all the Rolex Explorer alternatives we’ve listed are stand-ins for the steel variants. However, as mentioned, Rolex does make a two-tone version as well. An often overlooked substitute to the two-tone Rolex Explorer is the now-discontinued Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 14203, which was made available with an Explorer-style dial. One of the best Explorer alternatives could very well be another Rolex!
Although the dial is slate rather than black, it does feature the signature 3, 6, and 9 numerals — crafted in yellow gold no less. The case is more compact, measuring 34mm instead of 36mm, which can be a good thing for someone with smaller wrists. What’s more, pre-owned Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 14203 watches can be purchased for around $5,500 on the secondary market, which is significantly less expensive than the two-tone Explorer ref. 124273.
More Guides to Rolex Alternatives:
Best Rolex Explorer II Alternatives
Best Alternatives to the Rolex Daytona
Rolex Submariner Alternatives: 7 Other Excellent Dive Watches
The Best Rolex Datejust Alternatives
Best Rolex Oyster Perpetual Alternatives
The Best Rolex Day-Date Alternative Watches
Best Rolex GMT-Master Alternatives, Including Pepsi, Coke, Batman, Root Beer, and Sprite Lookalikes
Top Affordable Alternatives to Rolex Watches